Keep The Active Lifestyle In Mind

by Carolyn Worthington, Mar 31, 2011, 11:51 AM

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There's no question the Baby Boomer market is an important one for marketers to target. However, when marketing to Boomers, it is essential to focus on the active nature of this population base. It's not just their age, experience and disposable income that make this group attractive -- it's their way of life. Individuals in their early 60s are living life as if they were still 40.

Thus, we should continue to engage them with that active lifestyle in mind. For these individuals, quality-of-life issues are essential. Whether it's health care decisions, lifestyle choices or consumer purchases, these Boomers are making decisions based upon what's essential for maintaining their quality of life.

When I started working on the concept of The Healthy Aging brand over 15 years ago, no one wanted to talk about growing older. Finally, Baby Boomers are starting to see they need good information -- and not just stuff about how decrepit they are or will be. They want to know, "how can I actively pursue my next 50 years?"

This is no longer the iron-poor, tired-blood generation that can be fit into a stereotype for mass marketing campaigns. These are decision-makers that set their own agendas. They are engaged in social media. They love to conduct their own research and share their opinions. They are starting businesses. So whether you publish a magazine targeting this audience as I do or have a consumer product, financial instrument or other content that you want to market, make sure you're cognizant that this group can still think for itself.

An essential element is to fashion a dialogue that is real to them. This is an audience that has been marketed to for decades. They can see through the hard sell; thus, a sophisticated approach is necessary. It's an audience that also grew up with brand loyalty. They are still willing to experiment, but once they find something that works and benefits them, they will continue to remain loyal.

If it's an active lifestyle concept you're pitching, make it reflect this generation's need for experiential engagement. For years when people have thought about aging, the focus has been on physical fitness. However, Boomers are also focused on their mental wellness, the importance of social support systems and financial well-being.

These Boomers are seeking content, ideas, inspiration and critical information in the areas of physical, mental and financial health as a means to take greater responsibility for their own way of life. They are engaged online in researching these topics. It's not how the medication, vitamin or herbal supplement benefits them; it's how their lives are enhanced by taking them. Boomers want to see how others of their generation are staying fit and living active lifestyles. On-air commercials, editorial content and online video should all reflect this. Boomers must be showcased, offering others inspirational models for success.

Boomers have also discovered Facebook. They are using it not only to stay in touch with family members and friends by sharing their photos and experiences, but are looking to engage with brands as well. Those brands that speak directly to their needs will be the ones Boomers embrace.

Marketers have been salivating for years, waiting for the Baby Boomer generation to come of age. The generation weaned on television programming and commercials, magazines, department stores, family medical practitioners, nightly newscasts and weekly news magazines is now a niche market. Just like other niche markets, they can be targeted directly. Unlike the past, when older Americans were all about retirement and disengaging from the market, Baby Boomers are all about growing the market. How advertisers, marketers and publishers engage them will determine how big of a market share they will reap from this coveted audience.

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0 comments on "Keep The Active Lifestyle In Mind ".

1. Ann Fry from The REGeneration Group
   

   commented on: March 31, 2011 at 1:40 p.m.

   Excellent article ... takes on the importance of redirecting marketing and media to address the "real" needs of the boomers and not just writing them off as seniors.
   Thanks you Carolyn.

2. Paula Lynn from Who Else Unlimited
   

   commented on: March 31, 2011 at 1:47 p.m.

   Living like they are 40? What does that mean? Does it mean living like someone is 60 they are 80? Shifting out of this thinking is step one. It is not about age; it's about economic availability.

3. Jefferson Clay from 360 Recycling
   

   commented on: April 5, 2011 at 3:38 p.m.

   Great article for Baby Boomers. It's true boomers want to be healthier as well as controlling their on finances. I have a great opportunity to give boomers a burst of Great Nutrition/ a chance to get their lives back on track by Retiring in 24mo. Great Super Food with 30 potent nutrients(vegggie/fruits) for Anti-Aging, Natural Fiber, Fat loss, Blood sugar/insulin balance and more. Go to site/video www.jefferson.124online.com if anyone would like to know more about it GET ON MY "WAITING LIST". If you read article/want to make a difference I will hear from you soon.

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